Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the two second wines of the famous Pessac-Léognan wine Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Two second wines are a curiosity in Bordeaux, both really only differ in the grape variety cuvée, development and careful treatment are identical.
Les Hauts de Smith is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, while le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, which is the subject of this article, is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon. It is created from lots that carry the DNA of the Grand Vin, but don't quite have the density and concentration to be considered for the first wine.
The meticulousness and passion shown here by the Cathiard family is almost unbelievable. Just a measly 29 hl/ha were harvested for the Le Petit Smith Blanc 2020. In addition, you treat him to a whopping 50% new barrels during expansion. (Side note: 70% of all the barrels needed are made by the winery itself). Smith Haut Lafitte consistently produces juicy white Bordeaux that are present and full-bodied. Despite this, they are fine and structured and can age in the bottle for a few years.
The press is raving about the 2020 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte, top rated Yohann Castaing-Anthocyanins at 93-95/100, James Suckling and Yves Beck are at 92-93/100. Try this delicious white Graves with sushi, poultry, mushroom dishes and firm fishes.
